The Ring Nebula, also known as Messier 57 (M57), is a classic planetary nebula located in the constellation Lyra, about 2,300 light-years away from Earth. This nebula is the remnants of a star similar in mass to the Sun, which shed its outer layers as it reached the end of its life cycle. The expelled material forms the characteristic glowing ring, while the hot core of the star, now a white dwarf, illuminates the nebula from within.

M57 is a well-studied object due to its bright and distinctive appearance, making it a popular target for both amateur and professional astronomers. The nebula's ring structure is primarily composed of ionized hydrogen and helium, which emit light in vivid colors, typically seen in red and green hues through telescopes. Observations have revealed intricate details within the nebula, including knots and filaments of gas, which provide insights into the processes of stellar evolution and the dynamic interactions between the ejected material and the surrounding space.